Georgia Power supports St. Mary’s health access transportation program
February 20, 2026
ATHENS, Ga. – St. Mary’s Health Care System is proud to announce Georgia Power has awarded a $50,000 grant to establish St. Mary’s Health Access Transportation Support (HATS) program, a new initiative designed to remove transportation barriers for patients who need access to medical care.
The HATS program will provide safe, reliable transportation assistance for patients who face challenges traveling to essential health services, including primary care appointments, specialty care, diagnostic testing, and life-sustaining treatments. By supporting timely and uninterrupted care, HATS will help improve patient outcomes and reduce preventable hospital visits.
“We are deeply grateful to Georgia Power for this generous investment in our community,” said Jennifer Messer, St. Mary’s Chief Development Officer. “Transportation is one of the most significant social barriers to accessing healthcare. With Georgia Power’s support, the HATS program will help ensure that patients can receive the care they need, when they need it.”
The grant will be used to launch the first phase of the program, including establishing transportation resources, providing ride assistance, and coordinating with community partners to reach patients with the greatest need. St. Mary’s anticipates that the program will launch later this year and will benefit hundreds of patients across the region each year.
Initially, HATS services will be available in Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties. St. Mary’s intends to expand the service area as community partners come on board.
“Georgia Power is honored to partner with St. Mary’s on a program that directly supports the health and well-being of our neighbors,” said Tony Ferguson, Georgia Power Northeast Regional Executive. “Reliable transportation should never stand in the way of someone receiving medical care. The HATS program is a vital step toward greater health equity in our communities.”
“St. Mary’s has long been committed to advancing access to care across Northeast Georgia,” said Kimberly Hemphill, St. Mary’s Director of Community Health and Well-being. “The HATS program builds on that mission by addressing a critical social determinant of health and offering meaningful support to vulnerable patients.”
For more information about the HATS program or to learn how to support transportation access initiatives, please contact Hemphill at kimberly.hemphill@stmarysathens.org.
